| In many instances, technology is a major cause of | | | | serious or repeat DUI offenders to have an interlock in |
| auto accidents ? particularly when drivers use their cell | | | | their cars. |
| phones for calls or texting when behind the wheel. | | | | The reason the interlock is becoming such a center of |
| Now, however, two U.S. Senators have teamed up | | | | attention? It works. According to the Centers for |
| with MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) in an | | | | Disease Control and Prevention, ignition interlocks |
| attempt to use new technology to avert tragedy and | | | | reduced re-arrest rates by an amazing 73 percent, |
| wrongful death instead. | | | | and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found |
| Near the end of 2009, during the approach of the | | | | wrongful deaths dropped a welcome 30 percent. |
| holiday season, which traditionally sees a spike in the | | | | Who could argue with such a great solution to such a |
| number of DUI-related auto and motorcycle accidents, | | | | tremendous ? and potentially lethal ? problem? |
| Senators Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.) and Tom Udall | | | | Well, who else but the American Beverage Institute |
| (D-N.M.) introduced a bill requiring the use of an "ignition | | | | (ABI), which has worked against the interlock since it |
| interlock" for convicted drunk drivers. | | | | was first introduced. The ABI?s position is that the |
| The ignition interlock device, when installed in a car, | | | | Senators? new proposed bill is "the first step in a |
| prevents a would-be driver from starting the vehicle | | | | campaign to require interlock technology in all cars." |
| unless they can pass a breathalyzer test. This device | | | | Perhaps the only reply to that argument is, ??and your |
| is gaining in popularity all across the country ? ten | | | | point is?? But Mothers Against Drunk Driving went a bit |
| states, including Washington where I practice law as a | | | | further with their response. "We will gladly stack up the |
| personal injury attorney in Seattle, already have laws in | | | | credibility of MADD versus the credibility of these |
| place requiring some degree of usage of the interlock | | | | groups any day," MADD President Chuck Hurley said. |
| by convicted DUI offenders who wish to drive. In the | | | | "Obviously, they're funded by the angry wing of the |
| case of Washington, a drunk driver who has had their | | | | alcohol industry." |
| license revoked can apply for a special IIL (Ignition | | | | The ignition interlock looks to be an amazing weapon in |
| Interlock License), which allows them to drive any | | | | the ongoing war against DUI-related auto accidents |
| vehicle that has the interlock installed. | | | | and wrongful deaths, a war that has seen much |
| It?s making even more of a splash internationally. In | | | | progress in recent years. Drunk driving auto accidents |
| Sweden, you?ll find the interlock is standard equipment | | | | have declined in 40 states, as well as the District of |
| on buses and all service vehicles ? in addition, all | | | | Columbia, and the interlock, should it gain widespread |
| Volvos come equipped with an interlock. Legislation | | | | acceptance, will probably add much momentum to that |
| was also just passed in South Australia to require | | | | welcome trend. |